Turkey

Latest update

This Advice was last issued on Wednesday, 07 January 2015.
This advice contains information in the Summary and under Safety and Security (on 6 January 2015, a police building in Istanbul's main tourist district, Sultanahmet, was attacked by a suicide bomber. A police officer and the assailant were killed. Australians in this area should exercise vigilance and follow the advice of local authorities). The overall level of advice has not changed. We advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to within 50 kilometres of the borders with Syria. We continue to advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to the provinces of Hakkari, Sirnak and Siirt, which border Iraq and Iran and to exercise a high degree of caution elsewhere in Turkey because of the threat of terrorist attack.

Areas within 50 kilometres of the border with Syria

Summary

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey because of the threat of terrorist attack. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

On 7-8 October 2014, a number of deaths were reported during violent protests that occurred in cities across Turkey in response to the situation in Syria. Further such protests are possible. Turkish authorities imposed night curfews in a number of provinces in southern Turkey. You should follow local sources of information on curfews and other restrictions on movement. You should obey all curfews and other instructions from local authorities and be aware that curfews can be imposed or extended without warning.

Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere at any time in Turkey. In recent years, terrorist attacks have occurred in tourist areas and locations frequented by foreigners. See the Safety and security section.

On 6 January 2015, a police building in Istanbul’s main tourist district, Sultanahmet, was attacked by a suicide bomber. A police officer and the assailant were killed. Australians in this area should exercise vigilance and follow the advice of local authorities.

Since mid-2013, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has made military gains in northern Syria. Turkey’s long and porous border with Syria potentially provides ISIL and other terrorists the opportunity to travel relatively easily between Iraq, Syria and Turkey. Spill-over from the Syrian conflict could lead to attacks against targets in Turkey, including Ankara, Istanbul or areas close to the Syrian border.

The US Government issued a warning in December 2014 stating that 'extremist groups may be planning an attack against the Syrian Interim Government building located near the Fevzi çakmak park and the Kalyon Kavşagi roundabout in Gaziantep'.

As a result of the ongoing conflict in Syria, there is an increased threat of kidnapping of westerners in the regions bordering Syria. Terrorist groups operating in Syria and Iraq have demonstrated their capability and inclination to kidnap and murder western hostages. These groups have the capability to extend their operations across the border into Turkey.

As a result of recent heavy fighting in northern Syria, there has been a significant influx of refugees into Sanliurfa province since 19 September 2014. As of early October 2014, there were an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey. Syrian refugees have clashed with locals in a number of Turkish cities. You should be aware of the potential for conflict between refugees and locals throughout Turkey and exercise particular caution at times of heightened tensions.

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to any area within 50 kilometres of Turkey’s border with Syria due to the threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack and the potential for the spill-over of violence associated with the ongoing conflict in Syria. Turkish security forces have a strong presence in these border areas.

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the provinces of Hakkari, Sirnak and Siirt, which border Iraq and Iran, due to the unpredictable security situation. The situation is more dangerous at night and in rural areas. There have been few incidents since a ceasefire with Kurdish militants in 2013, but tensions remain high and further clashes could occur between Turkish security forces and militants.

Protests have occurred sporadically in major cities in Turkey since May 2013 and more frequently in 2014, an election year. There remains a possibility of further disturbances prompted by a range of political issues. These may form without warning and quickly intensify into violent clashes between protestors and police. Tourists in the vicinity of protests may be affected by these clashes.

Australians should avoid all protests and demonstrations throughout Turkey as they may become violent.

The unauthorised sale and exportation of antiquities is prohibited and carries long jail sentences. You need a receipt and an official certificate to export these items legally.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is managing events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli. It has conducted a ballot for participation in the official event. Its website provides further information on the event, including other opportunities to mark the Centenary, conditions of entry and other climatic and health considerations.

Australians visiting Turkey for tourism or business purposes, for less than 90 days in a 180 day period, are required to obtain an e-visa. Apply online at the Turkish government’s e-visa website.

Diplomatic and official passport holders must obtain a visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate before arriving in Turkey. Failure to do so is likely to result in refusal of entry.

If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days within a 180 day period, you must arrange a long-stay visa through a Turkish embassy or consulate before you travel, or apply for a Turkish residence permit. For more information on residency permits, visit the Turkish government’s e-visa frequently asked questions webpage.

Australians who enter or depart Turkey by land or sea borders, including those who make short trips to the Greek islands and then return to Turkey, should ensure that they are correctly processed by Turkish immigration and that their passports are stamped for all exits and arrivals. Failure to do so may result in difficulties when departing Turkey, including the prospect of fines, detention and/or deportation.

Failure to comply with Turkish visa regulations may result in fines, detention, deportation and a ban on future travel to Turkey for a period of time.

If travelling with children aged under 18 years, you may be asked to provide documentation proving you are the legal parent or guardian of the children.

Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to Australia. The Turkish Government has advised that from 1 January 2015, foreigners entering Turkey must carry a passport with at least 60 days validity beyond the expiry date of their visa or residence permit. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Safety and security

Terrorism

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey because of the threat of terrorist attack. Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere at any time in Turkey. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Since mid-2013, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has made military gains in northern Syria along the Turkish border. Turkey’s long and porous border with Syria provides ISIL and other terrorists the opportunity to travel relatively easily between Iraq, Syria and Turkey.

Spill-over from the Syrian conflict could lead to attacks against targets in Turkey. Previous attacks indicate that terrorists could target areas throughout Turkey, including Ankara, Istanbul and areas close to the Syrian border. Terrorists may target offices, hotels and other facilities used by Syrian organisations, including in Istanbul and Gaziantep.

The US Government issued a warning in December 2014 stating that 'extremist groups may be planning an attack against the Syrian Interim Government building located near the Fevzi çakmak park and the Kalyon Kavşagi roundabout in Gaziantep'.

In recent years, international and domestic terrorist groups have carried out attacks in Turkey. Most attacks have been against domestic targets, such as police and government institutions. However, attacks on western interests are within some groups’ stated ideology.

Terrorist attacks have occurred in tourist areas and against western government interests (including diplomatic premises). Foreigners have been killed and injured. Terrorist attacks have also targeted symbols, buildings and sites associated with the Turkish security forces (such as military barracks and police vehicles), government, judiciary and political parties, businesses, places of worship, banks, financial institutions and automatic teller machines.

Attacks have occurred in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Marmaris, Antalya, Mersin, Kuşadası, Çeşme, Muğla, Manavgat, Gaziantep and Adana. Further attacks could occur in major cities, including Ankara and Istanbul, regional centres and tourist destinations, such as those in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.

Significant dates and anniversaries are symbolic and terrorists have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks. You should exercise particular care in the period surrounding significant dates and anniversaries including: 15 February (anniversary of Abdullah Öcalan's capture), 21 March (Nevruz, Persian New Year celebrations), 30 March (founding of DHKP/C), 4 April (Abdullah Öcalan's birthday), 1 May (May Day), and 15 August (anniversary of Kurdistan Workers' Party's first attack).

On 6 January 2015, a police building in Istanbul’s main tourist district, Sultanahmet, was attacked by a suicide bomber killing a police officer and the assailant.

On 20 March 2014, three foreigners connected to the conflict in Syria killed three security officers and injured five others in Nigde (a province in central Anatolia bordering Adana).

On 20 September 2013, two rockets struck a police compound in Ankara.

On 20 March 2013, a bomb exploded outside a government office in the suburb of Maltepe, Istanbul, causing no injuries.

On 19 March 2013, attacks were launched against the Justice Ministry and the headquarters of a political party in Ankara causing no injuries.

On 1 February 2013, a suicide bomber detonated a device outside the US Embassy in Ankara killing himself and a security guard and injuring several others.

Areas bordering Syria: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to any area within 50 kilometres of Turkey’s border with Syria due to the high threat of terrorist attack and the potential for the spill-over of violence associated with the ongoing conflict in Syria. Turkish security forces’ presence in these border areas has been strengthened.

Turkish nationals have been injured and killed in Akçakale, Sanliurfa and other areas near the Syrian border. Cross-border attacks against Syria could occur at any time and without warning.

Recent incidents near the Syrian border include:

In September 2014, a car bomb detonated at Al-Salameh, Syria, one kilometre south of the Bab Al-Salameh border crossing point.

In July 2014, three Turkish soldiers and six opponents were killed in a clash near the border in Ceylanpinar district, Sanliurfa.

In May 2014, a major attack on the Syrian side of the Oncupinar border crossing in Kilis killed around 50 people.

In February 2014, a car bomb attack near the Oncupinar border crossing in Kilis province killed more than 20 people and injured a number of others on the Syrian side of the border.

In January 2014, a car bomb attack close to the Turkish border in the town of Reyhanli in Hatay province killed at least 15 people on the Syrian side of the border.

In October 2013, a mortar shell fired across the border from Syria killed a person in Ceylanpinar, in Sanhurfa province.

In May 2013, car bombings in Reyhanli killed at least 50 people and injured more than 100 others.

Areas bordering Iraq and Iran: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the provinces of Hakkari, Sirnak and Siirt, which border Iraq and Iran, due to the unpredictable security situation. The situation is more dangerous at night and in rural areas. There have been few incidents since a ceasefire with Kurdish militants in 2013, but tensions remain high and further clashes could occur between Turkish security forces and militants.Identification is required at checkpoints in this region and restrictions on travelling in areas bordering Iraq are enforced.

Up until March 2013 the Turkish military had conducted operations, including air strikes, in south eastern Turkey and northern Iraq, against Kurdish separatists. Kurdish militants retaliated resulting in hundreds of casualties. A peace process agreed in March 2013 has reduced the violence significantly. However tensions remain and minor clashes still occur.

Kidnapping: As a result of the ongoing conflict in Syria, there is an increased threat of kidnapping of westerners in the regions bordering Syria. Terrorist groups operating in Syria and Iraq have demonstrated their capability and inclination to kidnap and murder western hostages. These groups have the capability to extend their operations across the border into Turkey. We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to any area within 50 kilometres of Turkey’s border with Syria due to the threat of kidnapping.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying ransoms increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, and seek professional security advice. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping threat travel bulletin.

Civil unrest/political tension

On 7-8 October 2014, a number of deaths were reported during violent protests that occurred in cities across Turkey in response to the situation in Syria. Further such protests are possible. Turkish authorities imposed night curfews in a number of provinces in southern Turkey. You should follow local sources of information on curfews and other restrictions on movement. You should obey all curfews and other instructions from local authorities and be aware that curfews can be imposed or extended without warning. You should be aware that domestic and international events and political developments, particularly developments in Syria, may prompt demonstrations.

The 2014-15 election timetable has contributed to an increase in political tensions. Since May 2013, demonstrations have occurred sporadically in major cities in Turkey. Protests have occurred more regularly in 2014 and have generally formed in the late afternoon/evening and over weekends. Further disturbances are likely.

Protests may form at short notice without warning and quickly intensify into violent clashes between protestors and police. Tourists in the vicinity of protests may be affected by violent clashes. A number of people have died and many have been injured in demonstrations or related activity since May 2013.

Other recent protests in Turkey resulting in deaths or serious injuries include:

On 22 May 2014, two people died and eight police were injured after protestors clashed with the police in Istanbul’s Okmeydani district.

Following the 13 May 2014 Soma mining disaster, which killed 301 miners, protests around Turkey resulted in several injuries.

On 1 May 2014 (May Day), dozens of protestors were injured when they defied a ban on protests in Istanbul’s Taksim Square.

On 12 March 2014, during protests across Turkey one person died in Istanbul, a police officer died in Tunceli and a bystander was injured in Mersin.

Protests throughout Turkey in mid-2013, starting in Istanbul’s Gezi Park/Taksim Square, resulted in several deaths and dozens of serious injuries.

Police have regularly used tear gas, water cannons and plastic bullets to disperse gathered crowds. The effects of tear gas may be felt in surrounding areas. Australians should avoid all protests and demonstrations throughout Turkey as they may become violent.

Past protests in Istanbul have centred around Taksim Square and Istiklal Street (including streets surrounding Istikal as far as the Galata Tower and down to Kameralti Street, Karakoy) and in Besiktas and in the Kizilay and Tunali areas of Ankara. Protests may also occur in other districts of Istanbul as well as Ankara and other cities (including but not limited to Adana, Antalya, Hatay and Izmir). These protests may also form at short notice and quickly intensify throughout the evening.

Violence has occurred regularly during May Day rallies on 1 May in Istanbul's Taksim Square. The Persian New Year (20-21 March), celebrated by Turkey's Kurdish communities as "Nevruz", has also been accompanied by unrest.

Tensions associated with Syrian refugee communities: As a result of recent heavy fighting in northern Syria, there has been a significant influx of refugees into Sanliurfa province since 19 September 2014. As of late September 2014, there were an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey. As well as large refugee communities in the southeast of Turkey, there are also Syrian refugees living in Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities. Recently, Syrian refugees have clashed with locals in a number of Turkish cities. You should be aware of the potential for conflict between refugees and locals throughout Turkey and exercise particular caution at times of heightened tensions.

Crime

Muggings, assaults, pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in Turkey, especially in Istanbul in areas where tourists congregate including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.

Foreigners, including Australians, have been drugged and had their passports and other personal effects stolen after being befriended by English-speaking strangers. Drugs may be administered through drinks, food, chewing gum or confectionery. The victim becomes disorientated and compliant and may even become unconscious.

Tourists may be befriended by English-speaking locals, taken to a bar for food or drinks and then expected to pay an inflated bill, often thousands of dollars for a few drinks. Violence is threatened with the demand for payment. These scams are common, particularly in Istanbul. See our International Scams page for more advice.

There has been an increase in the number of violent sexual assaults against female tourists travelling alone or in small groups in popular tourist areas of Turkey, including in Istanbul. Female travellers are advised to avoid isolated locations and travelling alone after dark.

Money and valuables

Turkey has introduced new banknotes and coins. The new currency is equal in value to the notes and coins being replaced. Banknotes in the E-7 and E-8 series can be exchanged until the end of 2015 and 2019, respectively, at branches of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and TC Ziraat Bankasi.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Local travel

Australians should take extra care when driving in Turkey. With the exception of major freeways and arterial roads, the standard of road construction is generally poor. Travel at night on most country roads can be very hazardous due to inadequate lighting and local driving practices. For further advice, see our road travel page.

In recent years, train accidents and derailments have resulted in deaths and injuries.

It is illegal not to carry photographic identification with you in Turkey. You should carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

Anzac commemoration 2015: The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is managing events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli. It has conducted a ballot for participation in the official event. Its website provides further information on the event, including other opportunities to mark the Centenary, conditions of entry and other climatic and health considerations.

When travelling to the Gallipoli Peninsula Peace Park, be prepared for the variable climatic conditions (i.e. summer, winter and wet weather protective clothing, even in winter a hat/cap and sunscreen are essential to ensure your wellbeing and comfort); strictly obey safety signage and directions; and do not wander off marked roads and tracks within the Park. If travelling as part of a tour group do not separate from the group and wander the park alone.

Visitors should also be aware that winter storms and the heavy volume of traffic seriously affect many coastal roads around Gallipoli, including those in the park. Traffic restrictions may apply to the Anzac Cove road. However, pedestrians will still be able to access places of interest in the park.

Airline safety

Hijackings have occurred on commercial aircraft in Turkey in recent years.

The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See instead the Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Turkey.

Please also refer to our general air travel page for information on aviation safety and security.

Laws

When you are in Turkey, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Research local laws before travelling.

The Turkish government prohibits Australian consular officials providing assistance to Australian/Turkish dual nationals who are arrested or detained. Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Foreign nationals involved in any judicial process which results in their arrest or detention may be deported from Turkey after finalisation of court hearings or completion of their sentence.

Penalties for drug offences in Turkey are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences.

Drink driving carries a minimum penalty of an on-the-spot fine and confiscation of your driver's licence.

It is illegal to photograph military installations in Turkey.

Mount Ararat, in the east of Turkey, is a special military zone. You need permission from the Turkish government to visit.

The unauthorised sale and exportation of antiquities is prohibited and carries long jail sentences. You need a receipt and an official certificate to export these items legally. Failure to do so could result in your arrest, detention or deportation.

The use of metal detectors to search for historical artefacts is illegal.

Public displays of affection could result in prosecution for public order offences.

It is illegal to insult the Turkish nation, the national flag and the name and image of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

It is illegal to deface or destroy currency.

It is illegal not to carry photographic identification with you in Turkey. You should carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 25 years’ imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.

Local customs

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Turkey. Some regions are more conservative than others. You should respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Visitors should dress modestly, particularly at mosques and religious shrines.

Information for dual nationals

Australian males who hold Turkish citizenship may be required to undertake military service upon their return to Turkey. Prior to travel, Turkish/Australian dual nationals should seek advice from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Turkey.

While Turkey recognises dual nationality, it prohibits Australian consular officials providing assistance to Australian/Turkish dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

If you are travelling or relocating to Turkey please assess your welfare requirements as the services you receive in Australia may not be available in Turkey.

Health

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our health page also provides useful information for travellers on staying healthy.

The standard of medical facilities throughout Turkey varies. While private hospitals with international standard facilities can be found in major cities, services can be limited elsewhere. Private hospitals generally require confirmation of insurance or a guarantee of payment before admitting a patient. Costs can be high. Generally, serious illnesses and accidents can be treated at private or teaching hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul. However, medical evacuation, at considerable cost, may be necessary in some serious cases.

Australians who reside in Turkey for more than 12 months may have access to Turkey’s Universal Health Insurance (UHI). Information on this can be found on the website for the Australian Embassy in Ankara.

Decompression chambers are located near popular dive sites throughout Turkey in Çubuklu, Izmir, Bodrum, Oludeniz, and Eceabat.

Malaria is a risk from May to October mainly in the south-eastern part of the country, and in Amikova and Çukurova Plain. There is no malaria risk in the main tourist areas in the west and south-west of the country. Other insect-borne diseases (such as leishmaniasis and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, CCHF) also occur. CCHF is prevalent in central Anatolia to the north and east of Ankara. Seasonal outbreaks (from early summer) of CCHF have been fatal. We encourage you to consider taking prophylaxis against malaria, and to take measures to avoid insect bites including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.

Water-borne, food-borne, and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis, measles and rabies) occur with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food, and avoid unpasteurised dairy products.

Avian influenza: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Turkey. See our health page and Avian Influenza bulletin for further information.

Where to get help

Depending on the nature of your enquiry, your best option may be to contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer or travel insurance provider in the first instance.

If the matter relates to criminal issues, contact the local police on 155 (limited to major cities). The Police departments of Ankara, Antalya, Istanbul and Izmir have dedicated tourism police units.

If the matter relates to complaints about tourism services or products, contact the service provider directly. If you are not satisfied with their response, you may contact the Tourism police on 155 (within city limits) for more advice.

The Consular Services Charter explains what the Australian Government can and cannot do to assist Australians overseas. For consular assistance, see contact details below:

Australian Consulate, Çanakkale

The nationwide police 24-hour hotline number is 155. In rural areas, the Jandarma can be contacted on 156. Foreigners can also contact the Istanbul Tourist Police on +90 212 527 4503.

If you are travelling to Turkey, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the missions, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305

Additional information

Natural disasters, severe weather and climate

Severe drought conditions can affect water supply to a number of cities in Turkey. Running water may not be available in many places, including in hotels and other forms of accommodation. You should take additional care to guard against water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (see health for more information).

Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months (usually June to September), particularly in heavily forested areas and during periods of high temperatures and low rainfall. In the past, fires have burned close to holiday areas on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and in the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Turkey is in an active earthquake zone. Our Earthquakes bulletin provides further information on travel in earthquake prone areas.

On 24 May 2014, an earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale occurred around 25 km north west of Anzac Cove in Canakkale, injuring 90 people. On 28 December 2013, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in Antalya in southern Turkey. On 30 July 2013, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake occurred in Canakkale. On 23 October 2011, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred near the city of Van in eastern Turkey, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. Many buildings collapsed and infrastructure was damaged.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If you are in an area affected by a natural disaster, you should monitor the media and follow the advice of authorities.

Additional Resources

For additional general and economic information to assist travelling in this country, see the following link:

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While every care has been taken in preparing this information, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees, including any member of Australia's diplomatic and consular staff abroad, can accept liability for any injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained herein.

Maps are presented for information only. The department accepts no responsibility for errors or omission of any geographic feature. Nomenclature and territorial boundaries may not necessarily reflect Australian Government policy.